Blake Griffin defends LeBron's decision to skip dunk contest

NEW ORLEANS — With most questioning his decision to skip the NBA’s slam dunk contest, LeBron James has the support of at least one of the game’s top dunkers.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin said he could understand why James has chosen not to participate in the event. Griffin won the contest in 2011, but has yet to return to the field.

“It would be great for basketball but out of anybody, I get it,” Griffin said. “If you don’t want to do the dunk contest, I get it. It’s a time where guys are trying to get rest. And a guy who’s played in the Finals the last three years, playing late into June and playing USA Basketball and heavy minutes for his team, you need all the rest you can get.”

James has repeatedly said he has no interest in competing. Griffin also appeared headed that way.

“It just needs to be the right time and the right opportunity,” Griffin said. “It doesn’t need to change or they don’t need to put a whole lot of this or that in there. It’s just one of those things if I feel like it’s a good year and if I’m healthy enough, I’ll consider it.”

Harden agrees with Durant

Last September Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant made news by saying Houston Rockets guard James Harden belonged on SI.com’s list of top 10 players.

Durant said Harden should have been ahead of the Heat’s Dwyane Wade. And Harden agreed when asked about the subject.

“It is what it is,” Harden said. “(Durant) knows what he’s talking about.”

Later, Harden refused to single out Wade, saying he just felt he belonged on the list somewhere.

“I don’t even know who was on the list,” Harden said. “I don’t really care about that list. I go out there and play basketball and do my best. I’ll let you guys talk about that.”